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​​Oregonians have been leading the way in residential solar installations for a long time. Energy costs are rising significantly now, but decades ago Oregonians began making the solar leap.

Not surprising. Our state has become one of the nations leaders in clean energy programs.

The shift towards solar however, may be happening on a larger scale than you realize. In fact, Oregon is now one of the nation's most progressive states in terms of reducing its dependence on fossil fuels.

In this article, we outline some of the clearest indicators available that solar is a rising star in Oregon's new energy future.

Solar Investments in Oregon Are Ready for 2018!

Goodbye to the Oregon Solar Tax Credit

It appears to bad news on the surface, but nothing could be further from the truth.​The Oregon Solar Tax Credit, also known as the Residential Energy Tax Credit or RETC, is ending.

However, like all state-sponsored incentives, the Oregon Solar Tax Credit was meant to compensate for the high price of solar compared to other power sources. As solar energy became cheaper, the need for such incentives dwindled.

But, believe it or not, the end of the RETC is good news for the industry. It is a sign that solar is becoming cost-competitive and could go mainstream, especially in light of Oregon's renewable energy goals.

​A Big Play for a Solar Energy Future

Oregon has recently experienced a drastic shift in energy goals, namely with the help of Senate Bill 1547.

Passed in the senate in 2016, SB 1547 raises the goals of Oregon’s Renewable Energy Act of 2007 significantly. According to the statewide bill, 50% of electricity provided to Oregonians must be be comprised of renewable energy by the year 2040.

While smaller utility providers do not face the same level of strict limitation, those bearing 3% (or more) of Oregon’s total energy load are legally required to provide a certain percentage of renewable-derived energy to in-state customers. SB 1547 increased the percentages set in 2007, and accelerated the schedule of implementation.

As of 2016, large utilities must now provide the following percentage of renewably-derived power to their customers:

2020 – 20%

2025 – 27%

2030 – 35%

2035 – 45%

2040 – 50%

One of the most ambitious environmental bills ever passed, SB 1547 is setting an example that states across the U.S. are beginning to follow.

Beyond the legislation itself, Oregon is also expanding its green energy efforts by awarding a variety of renewables-based grants through the Renewable Energy Development Grants program, nicknamed RED.​These grants “support individuals and organizations that are investing in renewable energy systems” and are awarded on a yearly basis. Funding can reach as high as $250,000 per project, a substantial boost for nearly any renewable effort. ​​

​State Level Changes in Oregon Are Pushing Out Fossil Fuels

In many ways, Oregon is one of the most environmentally conscious states in the country.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration ranks Oregon in the top 15 of US States in terms of smallest amount of carbon dioxide emitted, lowest energy consumed per capita, and least energy expended per capita (please note: the USEIA ranks status out of 50 states. Therefore, in terms of "energy consumed" for example, a rank of 39 indicates "top 11 best").

It is no wonder then that fossil fuels are increasingly a thing of the past in this state.

For instance, while SB 1547 championed renewables like solar and made some drastic changes to the energy goals of the entire state, the very same bill also struck a blow to fossil fuel dependency. How? It completely bans the sale of electricity from coal by 2030!

Is this particularly impressive in a hydroelectric state like Oregon?

When you consider the fact that from 2012 to 2014, more than one-third of the entire state’s energy needs came from coal, we believe the answer is "yes."

Plus by the year 2020, solar power is poised to beat the cost of hydroelectric! And while SB 1547 alone would be set to revolutionize the way we harness power in Oregon, there are other efforts also.

Currently (as of October, 2017) House Bill 3343 sitsin the house awaiting a vote. It would require fossil fuel companies across the state to undergo in-depth environmental review processes prior to beginning any new projects. Not only would doing so help to dissuade fossil fuel energy companies from continuing such projects, it would also give regulatory agencies a frame of reference to which they can refer before approving construction.

This may be a small victory, but it is representative of Oregon’s widespread commitment to becoming a cleaner, greener state. ​

​The Portland Push for Clean Energy

When it comes to renewable energy efforts, Oregon’s largest city is one of the most progressive. In fact, it was named as one of America's top 25 cities for solar power in the Department of Energy’s Solar America Cities program.​Portland has also positioned itself as a renewable energy leader by committing to a transition towards a 100% fully-renewable energy plan by 2050. The city’s top elected leaders gathered on the day of the United States’ official withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement to make the pledge.

Portland has also worked to push other legislative measures that trend the city away from fossil fuel dependency. By directly manipulating zoning orders, Portland officials put in place a city ordinance that bans the expansion and construction of new fossil fuel terminals within the city, for example.

This ordinance has since been overturned (a ruling that is already being appealed) but it clearly showcases Portland’s dedication to cleaner energy sources like solar power.​In fact, a recent study conducted by Environment Oregon (part of the Environment America group), showed that Portland was ranked 17th in the nation for total photovoltaic solar panels installed (at 27 MW-DC) and 19th in the U.S. for solar PV per capita (at 43 MW-DC). ​

The Bright Future of Solar in Oregon

Even with the sunset of the Oregon Solar Tax Credit at the end of this year, solar energy is poised to grow. Legislative measures around the state are giving solar a stronger influence, statewide support is growing, and much of Oregon (as a whole) has championed solar culturally, for years.​With the official legislative moves currently underway to restrict (and in some cases eliminate) fossil fuels from Oregon's future, it is no wonder that solar is taking center stage as an alternative.

Curious as to how exactly solar energy can look so bright with the loss of a $6,000 incentive on the horizon? Give our preliminary analysis of the situation a read, and feel free to let us know what you think!